Kachal, a tackle for file-fish (family Balistidae : Pisces)

Abstract

To suit local exigencies and condition several indigenous types of gear have been developed by fishermen from ancient times which though primitive and crude in appearance are efficient in their own way. One such gear is the Kaehal, used to capture the file-fish (Balistidae) along the south-west coast of India between Muttum and Vizhingam. Since good results are obtained at little cost, the gear is used extensively by fishermen.